Thank you for participating in Montreat Conference Center’s fifth annual Christmas Collection! This year, we are excited to share “The Gift of Advent,” a collection of scripture and activities that we hope might serve as small gifts for your family to enjoy together.
Each week in December we will share two activities, one on Sunday and one on Wednesday. You can complete each activity on the day it is released or at your leisure. If you post pictures of your creations, be sure to tag or share them with us. We would love to see them!
We hope you enjoy the resources below and find ways to celebrate with family and friends during the holiday season. Special thanks to staff members Celeste Abney-Crowe, Hannah Beaver Brumlow, Martha Todd Sloan, and Jennifer Smith who worked behind the scenes to bring this collection to life. The entire Montreat Conference Center staff wishes you and yours a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year!
To subscribe to the email releases of the collection, visit this link.
Christmas Collections from Years Past
- 2023’s Collection – Countdown to Christmas
- 2022’s Collection – An Advent Celebration
- 2021’s Collection – The Twelve Days of Montreat
- 2020’s Collection – The First Montreat Christmas Collection
December 1 | Twinkle
“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
– Luke 2:8
Today’s Activity: Christmas Lights
During the Christmas season, stars aren’t the only things that twinkle! Christmas lights are another source of cheer that also remind us how Jesus is the light of the world. Today, we encourage you and your family to put on your favorite pajamas and drive around town looking at Christmas lights together.
If you live locally, we would also like to invite you to join friends and neighbors at the Montreat Gate for a Gate Lighting Celebration which will take place this Friday, December 6, from 4:30-5:30 pm. You can learn more on the Town of Montreat website. We hope to see you there!
December 4 | Reindeer
“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
– Luke 2:8
Today’s Activity: Reindeer Kibble
For today’s activity, we have a recipe for a yummy treat from the Galax Dining Room in Assembly Inn. Even though it’s called reindeer kibble, this snack is actually for people and should not be shared with any furry friends.
While you work on the kibble, ponder today’s scripture passage and think about what the shepherds and sheep might have eaten while out in the fields.
December 8 | Angel
“Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
– Luke 2:9
Today’s Activity: Coffee Filter Angels
Instructions sourced from happyhooligans.ca.
Since today’s scripture passage is about an angel delivering the news of Christ’s birth, we are going to make our own angels out of coffee filters! This craft is simple and friendly for all ages.
December 11 | Tree
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.’”
– Luke 2:10
Today’s Activity: Pipe Cleaner Christmas Trees
Instructions sourced from happytodlerplaytime.com.
It’s time to decorate your very own Christmas tree! In today’s activity, we will use pipe cleaners as our tree branches and beads or pasta noodles as our ornaments. Before you get started, take some time to ponder today’s scripture reading as a family.
December 15 | Emmanuel
“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
– Luke 2:11
Today’s Activity: Make a Christmas Card
Making a card for a friend or loved one is a great way to spread Christmas cheer! Today, we would like to encourage you to use your favorite markers, crayons, or paints to make personalized Christmas cards.
December 18 | Nativity
“This will be a sign for you: You will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
– Luke 2:12
Today’s Activity: Nativity I Spy
Can you find all of the figures from the nativity scene? Use our special I-Spy activity to give it a try! As you find each group of figures, cross them off your list at the bottom. Feel free to color everything in once you’re done!
December 22 | Ornament
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God…”
– Luke 2:13
Today’s Activity: Pine Cone Ornaments
Instructions sourced from growingfamily.co.uk.
Today, we are going to make a special ornament inspired by nature! Start out by going for a walk and collecting any pine cones you see. We will use these as the base for our ornament. As you walk, ponder today’s scripture passage.
December 24 | Magi
“‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’”
– Luke 2:14
Today’s Activity: Magi Paper Plate Crown
Instructions sourced from meaningfulmama.com.
For this Advent activity, we recommend that you read the book “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. As you read the story, ponder these questions:
Why is the book is titled “The Gift of the Magi?”
What selfless gift could you give someone?
After reading the book, make your own Magi crown using the instructions below!